Podcasts about Texas Legislature

On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest news from the waning days of the Texas Legislature and other developments in politics in our weekly roundup.Also this hour: Real estate in much of Greater Houston has been a seller's market for a very long time. Not so in Galveston lately. We talk over some recent trends in Galveston real estate with Marissa Luck of the Houston Chronicle and Kimberly Gaido, real estate agent with Sand ‘N Sea Properties in Galveston.And we talk with comedian and Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! panelist Hari Kondabolu ahead of his standup gigs Friday and Saturday at Houston's Punch Line Comedy Club.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: It's the final days of the 89th Texas Legislature. Here are some of the late breaking items covered today: Texas Poised to Enforce Age Verification on Apple, Google App Stores House Approves Legislation to Protect Students From Sexual Content – or how the Leftist media characterizes it: Texas Legislature poised to implement sweeping restrictions on school libraries. $2.5 Billion Water Infrastructure Deal, Additional 20-Year Annual $1 Billion Struck Texas Legislature moves to observe daylight saving time year-round – federal law would have to change first Tort reform: New limits for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits may become a reality in Texas. ERCOT would get a ‘kill switch' for large consumers under bill passed in House Democrats kill bill to stop bum encampments in Texas cities Dems run down the clock to defeat Texas ‘SAVE' act and Lege's most-restrictive abortion bill. – two important bills and who controls “the clock?” House leadership does. Leftist press pretends that “transgender” folk have special “rights” that Republicans are “targeting.“ Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas manufacturing production steady – Dallas Fed report.Texas Lottery scandal now includes guilty pleas in federal investigation. But lawmakers didn't have the guts to shut it all down.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

On Tuesday's show: The Texas Legislature was busy this weekend, passing bills in what is now the final week of the regular legislative session. Reporter Andrew Schneider walks us through developments in Austin over the last 72 hours.Also this hour: The current session of the Texas Legislature is nearly finished. State lawmakers only meet for 140 days every two years. Is that really enough time to administer state law, and could that ever change?Then, we revisit a question we asked you last year: does Houston need a new "big honkin' thing" to help seal our identity? You know, a major landmark like so many other major cities have, and Houston had for so long with the Astrodome?And we revisit a 2023 conversation with filmmaker and Houston native Nell Teare about her movie Bolivar, which will be screened and discussed May 30 at River Oaks Theatre. The film is based on memories of family trips to the beach on Bolivar Peninsula.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: The House and Senate are working in these final days of the 89th Texas Legislature with the House working all through the weekend. There is much to catch you up on and that includes the stories below plus much more on the show: House approves bill to save beleaguered Texas Lottery, here are the changes House committee pushes Texas [un]Ethics Commission out of sunset safety net bill Texas foods win round in fight over labeling high-fructose corn syrup as unfit for humans Texas bill OK'ing homes on smaller lots resurrected in House Bill banning DEI in public schools, tightening parental control clears House School Prayer Times and Classroom Ten Commandments Legislation Pass Texas Legislature, Head to Abbott House agrees to subsidize film industry with our money up to $300,000,000 per biennium Texas public universities on verge of having new restrictions after House approves plan Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.5th Circuit rules against library-libs in Llano: Library patrons have no First Amendment right to force libraries to include their points of view. This is an important and correct ruling and its reasons are well expressed in the opinion.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

With just over a week to go at the Texas Legislature: what’s passed, what’s stalled, and where we stand. Retailers track your every move to build shopper profiles and offer “personalized discounts.” But these loyalty perks may be more misleading than helpful. Declining enrollment and tight budgets have school districts reevaluating their campuses. In Fort […] The post Fort Worth considers shuttering 14 schools to cut costs appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Much from the 89th Texas Legislature in its waning days filled with deadlines. There is a big stack of items related to government public schools: It's Time to Truly Protect Our Kids from Obscene Materials – SB 13 Lawmakers Look to Slash School Superintendents' Severance Pay – HB 610 Lawmakers begin negotiations on how to scrap the STAAR test Texas schools should get more flexibility on student discipline, Senate decides Also, Rep. Ken King's name comes up again as the person blocking key conservative legislation: Bill to stop flow of abortion pills into Texas clears House panel.Other bills mentioned: Senate hears HB 229 on defining sex terms in state law Texas bill requires health records list sex assigned at birth – moronic, ignorant people at the Texas Tribune; people are not “assigned” their sex at birth. People are born male or female. Time Running Out for Senate To Pass GOP-Backed Bill Ending In-State Tuition for Illegals SB 1333 passes the House with changes – deals with squatters Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.UT-RGV sued for allegedly discriminating against non-Spanish-speaking professors.Trump Admin. backs Texas A.G. Paxton's antitrust suit against financial titans to ‘Protect Coal.'Oil & gas rig count falls.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Our weekly decompression session comes in the closing days of the Texas Legislature - when all the bad stuff we've fought against for months tends to happen anyway. Looked for a minute there like we might make a sensible move on cannabis - but noooo. And Sam has an idea that might make us all feel better about Republicans refusing once again to give Texas public schools and teachers what they need to get their jobs done.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.

With 11 days remaining before the Texas Legislature adjourns Sine Die and the congressional passage of one of the worst bills in modern history, Texas Impact's Executive Director Bee Moorhead joins the program to talk about it all, with conversation about health care, reproductive health, religion in schools and public school funding.  Plus, we talk about steps listeners can take as we move toward the legislative interim. Find more ways to get involved at texasimpact.org and subcribe to our Substack for the latest news and updates

On Wednesday's show: It's crunch time for lawmakers at the State Capitol, and Presidential politics reigns, as always, in Washington. And that's just some of what we'll walk through -- and seek context and clarity about -- in our weekly political roundup.Also this hour: A mental health professional discusses how to help teens and children dealing with anxiety, depression, and other challenges.And prices are high these day -- and so is the temperature. We get some suggestions on some low-cost or free indoor summer entertainment options around town.

 On Tuesday's show: We learn about the progress of some bills regarding bail reform being considered in the waning days of the Texas Legislature.Also this hour: We discuss the complicated, cloudy future of the Texas Lottery, which has been under fire over a scheme that essentially allowed gamblers to purchase every single lottery combination possible and guarantee a jackpot win. Then, ahead of an event at Brazos Bookstore on May 27, author and poet Ocean Vuong shares lessons from working in fast food and considers what drives acts of kindness between strangers. Those themes are explored in his new novel, The Emperor of Gladness.And some Houstonians might visit Galveston during the upcoming holiday weekend, and there are a number of intriguing historic sites to check out on the island, if you're so inclined. We learn more about some of them from Tristan Smith, the author of A History Lover's Guide to Galveston.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: House leadership engineers a bill massacre, including many conservative priority bills, by running out the clock at midnight this morning. First legislative deadline of Texas session slashes 80% of bills in House. Texas House deadline leaves hundreds of bills as casualties.But, of course, the Burrows BurrowCrat leadership team found time to spend passing this law that has nothing but symbolic affect: Bill Decriminalizing Homosexual Conduct Passes Texas House.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas Senate Committee Passes New Version of Public School Funding, Teacher Pay Raise Bill.  Winners and losers in the Texas Legislature's school funding plan.Other items from the 89th Legislature: Lawmakers want penalties for local governments' campaign finance posting failures House bill requiring air conditioning in Texas prisons OK'd Senate advances ‘Trey's Law' to ban NDAs in sex abuse settlements Texas Labor Market Achieves Five Consecutive Months of Record High Jobs with More Than 37,000 Added in April – click for local unemployment rates.Baker Hughes' North America Rig Count Report – Texas loses the two gained last week.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

  The Texas Legislature is hitting key legislative deadlines with sixteen days remaining before they adjourn Sine Die. The action in the Capitol is hot on many issues important to Texans of faith, but maybe none more so than the debate over public school finance. Here to talk with us about all of it this week is Texas Impact's Executive Director, Bee Moorhead. 

James Henson and Joshua Blank look at the big issues still pending in the Texas Legislature, including property taxes, education funding, water, the budget, bail, THC products, and more as legislative deadlines start killing bills.

It will be easier than ever for parents to opt their children out of public school vaccine requirements under a bill given initial passage in the Texas House late Tuesday. In other news, School leaders and advocates worry that the Texas Senate is dragging its feet to deliver on promises to provide the largest infusion of state dollars into public education; after multiple break-ins and animal thefts at Texas zoos in recent years, state zoos have teamed up with advocacy groups and elected officials to support a couple of bills in the Texas Legislature that could provide some relief. House Bill 1720 and Senate Bill 2969 will strengthen the penalties for trespassing at zoological facilities and create penalties surrounding habitat intrusions; and the Dallas Stars are on the verge of eliminating the Winnipeg Jets in the Stanley Cup playoffs after a 3-1 win at the American Airlines Center last night. The third member of the Stars' Finnish line, Mikeal Granlund scored a hat trick. It was the third hat trick in the last five games for Dallas but Granlund's first since 2017. The series heads back to Winnipeg for game 5 on Thursday night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Tuesday's show: We learn about a pair of bills some say might kill the renewable energy boom in the state and about this week's heat, which may be the year's first real test of the Texas electric grid.Also this hour: We learn about the fate of the Texas Renaissance Festival after a judge ordered the event's owners to sell their property and assets after siding with a prospective buyer who sued after a $60 million deal fell through in 2023.Then, on the anniversary of the famed Battle of the Sexes tennis match at the Astrodome, we revisit a 2023 conversation with Houston tennis star Zina Garrison about the legacy of that historic match, how women's tennis has changed in the five decades since, and her longtime friendship with the match's victor, Billie Jean King.And we learn about a play addressing the mental health of Black men, called The Black Man, with actor Andre Pitre and actress and writer Charnele Brown.

Abortion pills, denial of bail, and a ban on land purchases for some people: What’s happening in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature?After jackpot controversies, multiple resignations and a ban on online lotto ticket sales, the state's lottery system is now under investigation.Cities on the rise across Texas are quite literally sinking, with Houston […] The post Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the US, study finds appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

In the final installment of this three-part series, Bonnie Petrie and reporter Robin Berghaus go from an isolated stretch of desert along the Rio Grande, where wild peyote grows, to the exuberant rooms at SXSW, where they consider the future of psychedelics-as-medicine, and back to the hallowed halls of the Texas Legislature, where the future of the so-called Ibogaine Bill is uncertain.

The Texas House gave initial approval to a bill Thursday that would ban citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from owning properties in Texas, moving the state one step closer to creating barriers for property ownership to people from countries deemed hostile. On a largely partisan vote of 85-60, the House approved the bill, making it the latest Republican-led policy once considered too extreme for the House now on a direct path to becoming law as the chamber shifts further to the right. In other news, North Texas' Catholic community reacted with surprise and excitement to Thursday's news that Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church; separate bills making their way through the Texas Legislature have banks and consumer advocates on edge, posing challenges to the state's financial infrastructure and its pro-business bent. At issue are two sets of bills regulating credit card processing fees, which collectively set a record of nearly $188 billion last year, according to Nielsen Report data; and the Academy of Country Music Awards — colloquially dubbed country's “party of the year” — assembled many of the genre's biggest stars in Frisco Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thursday's show: We talk about Houston's growing problems with trash, including how the city is quickly running out of landfill space, with Elena Bruess of Houston Landing.Also this hour: We learn about a new law creating a Texas version of DOGE.Then, we welcome your questions about our varied and fascinating insect world for entomologist Erin Mills of the Houston Botanic Garden.And issues of loneliness, hidden trauma, and breaking free of comfort zones all come to bear in Primary Trust, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play at The Alley Theatre through May 25.

On Wednesday's show: We discuss Houston Mayor John Whitmire's proposed city budget, the latest developments from the Texas Legislature, and President Donald Trump's meeting with Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with other developments in our  political roundup.Also this hour: In this month's installment of The Full Menu, food writers discuss some of their favorite restaurants to get vegetarian and vegan food around the city.And we learn about Bajo Terapia (In Therapy), a new play about three couples in therapy, which is on stage May 8-11 at the MATCH.

James Henson, Daron Shaw, and Joshua Blank discussed what the newly-released UT/Texas Politics Project Poll reveals about Texas views of Donald Trump, major issues getting hammered out in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature, and the coming 2026 election in Texas.

On Friday's show: Two bills related to abortion passed the Texas Senate this week. One seeks to clarify when doctors can perform abortions if medically necessary under the state's near-total ban. The other would allow anyone who mails or delivers abortion pills to someone in Texas to be sued for $100,000. Both bills must now clear the Texas House. Eleanor Klibanoff of The Texas Tribune provides details on both measures.Also this hour: A recent report ranked Houston as one of the unhappiest cities in America. Really? Whether you agree with that or not, we try to prove them wrong by having listeners and some guests share what they're happy about. Share yours now at talk@houstonmatters.org.Then, from the USDA halting a new rule requiring poultry companies to keep levels of salmonella bacteria under a certain level, to a company using what's essentially an AI-powered mood ring to build emotional trust in relationships, we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we talk with the outgoing Houston Poet Laureate, Aris Kian, and her successor, Reyes Ramirez.

 Brian Phillips and guest co-host Ariana Guajardo tackle the heated debate on bail reform with Nikki Pressley from Right On Crime, exploring why Texas' Constitution ties judges' hands and what Governor Abbott's push for reform means for public safety. They also explore polling insights from the Texas Lyceum and offer a sneak peek at what's next for the Texas Legislature. And just for fun, the viral "Gorilla vs. 100 Men" social media controversy and what makes Texas truly unique—barbecue, y'all, and Southern hospitality!1:37 Hot Take 1: Man vs. Gorilla4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you'd like the rest of the nation to adopt8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system8:58 Do we need a Constitutional amendment?12:56 Do other states have a “right to bail?”13:48 A balanced approach that prioritizes public safety but doesn't keep low risk defendants languishing in prison21:31 What does polling reveal about where Texans are on this issue?29:25 Survey Says: Texas Lyceum poll asks how “Texan” Texas residents feel about themselves35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump's first 100 days38:56 What to Watch For

James Henson talks with political reporter Bayliss Wagner, of The Austin American-Statesman, about her recent coverage of abortion and intraparty tension among Texas House Republicans, as well as the Statesman’s change of ownership, and covering the lege for the hometown paper.

On Tuesday's show: Last week, two economists spoke out about the impact of Trump economic policy on Houston. One said to expect a recession by the summer. But the other offered a much sunnier forecast. Could they both be right? Or both be wrong? Do economists really know what they're talking about? We talk it over.Also this hour: Many industries face an uncertain future with the back-and-forth on tariffs. What about the energy industry in Houston? And how is the Texas Legislature playing a role in all of this? Houston Chronicle columnist Chris Tomlinson shares some of his thoughts on the subject.Then, we learn about Free for All: The Public Library, a new documentary chronicling the evolution of the American public library, from the original “Free Library Movement” in the late 19th century to the present, when many libraries find themselves caught in the crosshairs of the culture wars and struggling to survive amid budget cuts and closures. Director Dawn Logsdon talks about her film, which airs tonight at 9 on Houston Public Media, TV 8.And Texas poet Ebony Stewart discusses her newest collection called “WASH.”

On Monday's show: Depending on where you live in Greater Houston, you may be closing in on an election day. We provide a rundown on some of the municipal election decisions being made today in Fort Bend County. And we get an update on Texas public school funding from the Texas Legislature.Also this hour: We discuss “tough on crime” policies that are so tough they've caught just about everyone off guard.Then, do we really need all this smart technology? Just how connected should your fridge really be? We discuss what gadgetry may really go too far and other developments in consumer technology with columnist Dwight Silverman.And Jeff Balke updates us on the Rockets playoff series against the Golden State Warriors and other news in Houston sports.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Much from the 89th Texas Legislature including: Burrows Blocks Effort Limiting Scholarship Program to US Citizens – ridiculous ruling Following Trump, Texas may recognize Gulf of America ‘Stopping Foreign Adversaries' Land Grabs' Bill Passes House Committee Year-Round Daylight Saving Time Bill Passes Texas House Bill could introduce air conditioning in Texas' sweltering prisons Texas House committee hears proposals to give AG Ken Paxton's office more power [to return powers taken away by a court ruling] McConaughey champions bill to create Texas film incentive fund Texas lawmakers consider barring counties from mailing unsolicited voter registration forms – only a moron could be opposed to what this bill does. Gov't should be neutral to the idea of voting, not working itself and funding others to turn out voters. Requiring voters to prove citizenship spurs concern that eligible Texans won't be able to cast ballots – same arguments used against Voter I.D. which turned out to be untrue. Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley joins with TPPF, others, in suing overreaching Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) rulemaking.ICE is reversing termination of international students' legal status, lawyer says. The whole thing has been an example of why conservatives should always be leery of government work, even the government actions you support. It's been a disaster that makes the original intent look terrible. Don't trust government to anything but that which it must do and then expect incompetence.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

We're full of positive news this week on the Friday News Roundup — and there's truly something for us all to celebrate. After years of rising overdose deaths, the Travis County Medical Examiner announced that accidental overdose deaths and fentanyl deaths both declined in Austin in 2024. Is the $6 million-plus we've spent on programs actually working? Plus, the Texas Legislature might actually finally legalize fentanyl testing strips. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to discuss that, plus why Austin celebrates a depressed donkey's birthday, and the exceptional Austin high school senior who's going to save us all. Oh, and we toss in some weekend picks.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 25th episode: Zach Theatre Tecovas Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYAUSTIN for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Texas Legislature is now entering the final third when bills make it to the floor for a vote or begin to die. Last week, Bee Moorhead joined the program to talk about the House passing the Voucher bill, and it seemed like immediately after, we began to see a TON of bad bills start to move... and a few good ones.    One of the issue areas that was particularly in focus this week has been the return of anti-trans legislation, so we are going to welcome to the program for the first time, Texas Impact's Policy Consultant, Rev. Keats Miles Wallace, an ELCA pastor and staff member for Texas Impact's LGBT Rights Issue Champion team to talk to us about both the policy issues in that space, but also about the importance of people of faith engaging on these bills.    Join an Issue Team on the Legislative Action Center page on our website.

Plus, the Texas Legislature approved a school voucher bill on Thursday, and an advocacy group has released a documentary about gun violence in Dallas.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Much from the 89th Texas Legislature including: Senate hears bill to end Texas DREAM Act, restrict in-state tuition to legal residents only. You heard it here: “Nationality Squatters” House Leadership Accused of Holding Pro-Life Bill Hostage to Islamic Holiday Push Texas Senate Approves $950 Annual Property Tax Cut for Over 65 & Disabled Homeowners, 30–1 Texas House Passes Student Cell Phone Ban Bill Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Jones County's “Bluebonnet” facility is getting much press mention of late: Exclusive-Trump Administration Moved Venezuelan to Texas for Possible Deportation Despite Judge's Order.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the escalating border security challenges as cartels target Texas with guest Ammon Blair, TPPF Senior Fellow and former Border Patrol agent. They dive into military readiness reforms from the Texas Legislature, deep state resistance to Sec. Pete Hegseth, and close with the local debt crisis driving property taxes. Plus, bail reform!2:26 Hot Take: Was Joe Biden photoshopped into his family's Easter picture?6:08 Deep State attacks on Secretary Pete Hegseth9:13 U.S. and Texas Military Readiness19:44 Department of Defense operating under Trump's EO's33:06 SB 659 passed with Ammon's recommended language making it easier to go after every player in the game, not just the low hanging fruit40:00 Survey Says - Only 16% of federal mangers who voted for Harris would enforce a legal order from Trump that they disagreed with45:02 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - Texans face 231 separate bond propositions51:38 What to Watch For

Only six months after installing new bike lanes, the city of Austin will have to spend thousands of dollars to remove them after nearby residents pushed back against the bike lanes, multiple plans are being developed in the Texas Legislature to bring property tax relief to residents and a new report shows Texas leading the nation in employment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday's show: A bill to greatly expand efforts to lure film and TV production to Texas using incentives paid for by sales tax revenues has passed the Texas Senate and now heads to the House for consideration. We learn more about Senate Bill 22 and what it might do for film and TV production in the state.Also this hour: From backlash over this week's celebrity-studded, all-female, Blue Origin spaceflight, to prospects getting slimmer for a Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail line, to a human chain moving a bookstore down the street, a single book at a time, we hash out The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we discuss how to best declutter, downsize, and get rid of all the stuff in our lives.

On Thursday's show: In a vote early this morning that followed hours of debate, the Texas House gave initial approval to a billion-dollar private school voucher bill that stands to transform education in Texas in the years to come along with a $7.7 billion public school funding package.Also this hour: We talk with Houstonians supporting women who run for office, regardless of party. And we meet Dr. Jennifer Feltman, an expert on medieval art and architecture, who was one of only a handful of Americans who worked to help restore the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after it was damaged by fire in 2019. She recently spoke at an event with Archaeology Now Houston.

Big day in the Texas Legislature regarding Texas Education; State Representative & Member of the TX House Committee on Public Education, Jeff Leach, joins us for analysisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Chad and Patrick discuss innovations in local government presented at the AFI conference last week, and check in on the Texas Legislature as the session is kicking into high gear. Timestamps00:00 Legislative Updates and AFI Innovations11:05 The Voucher Debate in Texas Politics21:02 Local Government Legislation and Its Implications32:19 Impact of Corporations on Local Economies34:04 Legislative Challenges and Political Interests36:11 Property Tax Legislation and Its Implications40:10 AI in Economic Development: Innovations and Applications54:38 Building Secure AI Models for Confidential Data

On Tuesday's show: Texas lawmakers are looking to make changes in how cash bail is set, with an eye on Harris County. But opponents of Senate Bill 9 say it will further clog the county's courts. Neena Satija of the Houston Chronicle explains.Also this hour: After she survived the Boston Marathon bombing, former Houstonian Rebekah Gregory fought to save her badly injured leg. We learn why she eventually chose to let go and have it amputated and about how she rebuilt her life to help others affected by trauma.And we meet Al Cisneros, who is the first Hispanic pilot with the Navy's Blue Angels and is a veteran of more than 150 combat missions during the Vietnam War. He was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame last week.

Special Guest - Tony McDonald - attorney and close observer of the Texas Legislature, lays out the maneuvers by the Republican leadership of the Texas House.It ain't pretty AND what will the RPT do about it? If anything.RPT - Republican Party of Texas

The Texas Legislature is still in session under the pink dome down on Congress Avenue — but they won't be for too much longer. Now is the time in the session when things get weird and hard to follow, so host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to break down where things stand on vouchers, the THC ban, and DOGE, on this week's Friday News Roundup. Plus, we discuss the Texas Department of Transportation's parking problems as employees return to the office, the City of Austin's $7.5 million in unpaid parking tickets, and whether that money could help shore up the city's estimated $33 million budget deficit for next year.  Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode: Austin Community Foundation Wild West Brew Fest Zach Theatre Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Joining Weekly Witness this week is Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Programs & Strategy at Interfaith Alliance, a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America's promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all.   Guthrie will talk with us about Senate Bill 10, the 10 Commandments Bill, and SB 11 calling for a period of prayer in school and why it is especially important for people of faith to speak out. Many in the Texas Legislature assume that those bills are supported by the faith community, so Guthrie encourages people of faith to speak out and share our values.   Learn more about Interfaith Alliance at www.interfaithalliance.org   Join an Issue Team and sign up to receive weekly Action Alerts in the Texas Impact Legislative Action Center on our website texasimpact.org/action-center

In this episode of the Think Brazos Podcast, Mayor John Nichols of College Station joins us to discuss various challenges and legislative issues affecting housing affordability in Texas. The conversation delves into the implications of impact fees, local control versus state legislation, and the unique housing demands caused by Texas A&M University's large student population. Mayor Nichols also explains the city's efforts to adapt to market pressures, including allowing accessory dwelling units and considering smaller lot sizes. Tune in to understand the complexities of housing policies and their impact on local communities.  You can find a list of housing bills we're watching here: https://thinkbrazos.org/2025/03/13/texas-housing-legislation-2025-bills-were-tracking/ Mentioned in the episode SB15 on minimum lot sizes ADU bills HB5489 on impact fees SB 844 on the valid petition process (“tyrant veto”) SB1567 on occupancy limits by familial status College Station's Housing Action Plan: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/commserv/development/housing_action_plan College Station Impact Fees: https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/pds/engineering/impact_fees The Think Brazos Podcast is a policy conversation platform produced by staff at Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity. As a 501c3, we do not make endorsements of any candidate or political party. Full disclaimer: https://thinkbrazos.org/about/#disclaimer  Learn more at https://thinkbrazos.org Follow Think Brazos https://facebook.com/thinkbrazos https://instagram.com/thinkbrazos https://x.com/thinkbrazos  

Today, we discuss the main vehicles for property tax reduction and the fact that the Texas Senate and House are […]

Jonathon Saenz updates us on several important bills being heard in The Texas Legislature.PLUS - RPT asking local Republican organizations to promote and back good R candidates in local races."Non-Partisan" elections are enabling D's.

Texas Housers is tracking several housing bills at the 2025 Texas Legislature, some good and some bad. However, one piece of proposed legislation, HB 32 and its companion SB 38, seeks to dramatically expidite and overhaul the eviction process as we know it.To learn more on how these bills would restrict tenants' ability to defend themselves, remain safely housed, or even have a fair day in court, Mark Melton from the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center joins A Little Louder to detail exactly what this bill proposes. We also get into how this bill was erronously marketed as a "squatter" bill, and how everyday people can learn more about active legislation and act accordingly.Visit Who represents me? Texas Legislature Online to identify your elected officials.

 Bill in Texas Legislature would 'mark' foreigners legally living in the state San Antonio Current, By Michael Karlis, on Mar 26, 2025https://www.sacurrent.com/news/bill-in-texas-legislature-would-mark-foreigners-legally-living-in-the-state-37079019The Non-Prophets, Episode 24.14.1 featuring Scott Dickie, , Jimmy Jr. and Helen GreeneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-non-prophets--3254964/support.

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: A terrible example, one of too many, of why proper bail reform must pass the 89th Texas Legislature and not be stopped, once again, in the Texas House: Houston Convicted Murderer Released While Awaiting Sentencing Now Suspect in Murder-Suicide.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Texas Defense Attorney System for Illegal Aliens to End May 1.TX19's Rep. Jodey Arrington hits Senate GOP over ‘unserious' budget resolution.Tariff fight: Ted Cruz outlines risks of tariffs and trade war Ag Sec. Rollins: 50 Countries Already Coming to the Table on Tariffs Taiwan Proposes No Tariffs With US In Effort To Deescalate Trade-Tariff War EU Offers Trump ‘Zero-for-Zero Tariffs' on Industrial Goods with U.S. China Cuts Off Rare Earth Mineral Exports to U.S. in Trade War with Trump Trump Threatens China with Additional 50% Tariffs for Imposing Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. 7 GOP senators sign on to bill to check Trump's trade authority Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

March job numbers surpass expectations. Trump holds up a gold card with his face on it and says “For $5 million, this can be yours”. Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant gets fined $75,000 for a “gun celebration” after hitting a three-pointer. A Texas high school football star, Austin Metcalf, is stabbed in the heart, left to die in his twin brother's arms at a track meet as the issue has become racial. Amy Klobuchar gets OWNED when asked about threatening SCOTUS Justices. Democrats are ironically against taxes as they root against Trump's tariffs. Trump comes out in favor of proxy voting, at odds with most Republican women. TX Rep. Brian Harrison joins us to discuss his mic getting cut off in the Texas Legislature over speaking out for true conservatives, Texas RINO's not voting for President Trump's agenda and much more. Dana asks if the short-term economic pain will affect the Republicans' chances in the Midterm elections if they take too long to recover. Investment Banker and Economist Carol Roth joins us to talk all things tariffs, the market reaction and the importance of permanent tax cuts.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Relief Factorhttps://relieffactor.com Turn the clock back on pain with Relief Factor. Get their 3-week Relief Factor Quick Start for only $19.95 today! Goldcohttps://DanaLikesGold.com  My personal gold company - get your GoldCo 2025 Gold & Silver Kit. PLUS, you could qualify for up to 10% in BONUS silverByrnahttps://byrna.com/dana Don't leave yourself or your loved ones without options. Visit Byrna.com/Dana receive 10% off Patriot Mobilehttps://patriotmobile.com/Dana Dana's personal cell phone provider is Patriot Mobile. Get a FREE MONTH of service code DANA HumanNhttps://humann.com Support your metabolism and healthy blood sugar levels with Superberine by HumanN. Find it now at your local Sam's Club next to SuperBeets Heart Chews. Tax Network USAhttps://TNUSA.com/DANA Don't let the IRS's aggressive tactics control your life empower yourself with Tax Network USA's support.  Reach a USA based agent @ 1(800) 958-1000 - Don't fight the IRS aloneKelTechttps://KelTecWeapons.com See the NEW PS57 - Keltec Innovation & Performance at its best All Family Pharmacy https://AllFamilyPharmacy.com/Dana Code Dana10 for 10% off your entire order

On Friday's show: A number of fascinating and controversial bills are getting hearings these days in Austin over abortion, religion in schools, and high speed rail. We discuss them all.First, we examine a bill that would directly impact a long-debated proposed high speed rail line between Houston and Dallas. Then, we learn about legislation that would offer doctors and nurses guidance on when they could, in the rarest circumstances, provide an abortion in Texas.And this week's “non-expert” panel weighs in on bills in Austin that would bring religion more directly into Texas public schools as they break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And producer Brenda Valdivia completes her quest to create the ultimate Houston sandwich.

The Texas Legislature is still in town, and while one lawmaker tried to get the state to take control over the city's government, there was unanimous opposition. Host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by Hey Austin newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw and executive producer Eva Ruth Moravec to dig into the “District of Austin” proposal on this week's Friday News Roundup. Plus, we discuss an iconic Austin festival's move out of town, a new affordable housing concept underway at an East Austin historic church, and our weekend picks. Finally, we remember Texans Carlton Carl and former Austin mayor Carole Keeton, both of whom died this week.   Learn more about the sponsors of this March 28th episode: Tecovas Visit Port Aransas Zach Theatre Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE